Economy and Business
Uncle Sam Is Sheltering the SWAG Economy
The wealthiest Americans — and deep pockets everywhere else — are spending epic sums on artwork.
We’re No. 27!
“USA: We’re No. 1!” Oh, wait — Iceland is No. 1. But we did beat out Poland and Slovakia, right? Uh…no. But go on down the rankings and there we are! No. 27, fifth from the bottom. So our new national chant is, “USA: At Least We’re Not Last!”
How the 1 Percent Could Do Its Share to Rebuild America
I’m a member of the 1 percent. I’ve watched my income tax rates fall over my lifetime, from a top rate of 91 percent under President Dwight Eisenhower to the current low rate of 35 percent. When taxes were higher, this nation built a vibrant middle-class life for millions. Our schools, libraries, bridges, railways, and roads made the United States the envy of the world.
Get Jobless Americans Back to Work
I’m not apt to make impossible New Year’s resolutions. Gumbo and red beans and rice will be safe on my plate for another year. But at the beginning of every New Year, I do like to pause to affirm my highest intentions.
Tax the Rich
America’s Skimpy Minimum Wage
In 2012, the 63 million Americans who depend on Social Security are getting their first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in three years: a 3.6 percent increase in benefits. In other words, one in five Americans are getting a raise. For the average beneficiary, this amounts to an extra $38.95 a month.
Shoveling America’s Wealth to the Top
As an old country saying puts it, “Money is like manure — it does no good unless you spread it around.”
Runaway Spending Cuts
Budget cuts are slippery.
‘Tis the Season to Shop at Tiffany’s
The economy is expanding, the unemployment rate is down, and consumers are spending again. The National Retail Federation expects holiday season sales to be up 3.8 percent over 2010, and other organizations predict increases of 3.5 percent to 4 percent. It all sounds like it’s shaping up to be a happy holiday season for America’s retailers.
Chained COLAs and the Battle over Social Security
Like something out of a bad movie, the failed congressional supercommittee plotted to use “chained COLAs” to cut future Social Security benefits for America’s retired workers.
